Guide to Good Eats, Drinks & Sleeps Summer 2026
From the sketchbook of Cathy Raingarden: @cathyraingarden and cathyraingarden.com.
Alameda
Alameda Marketplace
“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome celebrated, woman-owned Bake Sum,” says the Alameda Marketplace team. The bakery has just joined the Beanery, Greens & Grains, Sushi King, East End, and Tahina Fresh Mediterranean for a host of delicious dining options.
1650 Park St, Alameda | alamedamarketplace.com
Dragon Rouge
Waterfront Vietnamese eatery offers exciting, inventive, delicious, locally sourced cuisine and a lively bar scene with a wide selection of spirits. Newly renovated, and available for private parties up to 120 people!
2337 Blanding Ave, Alameda
510. 521.1800 | dragonrougebythebay.com
Mosley’s Café
Join us in the Grand Marina for a peaceful morning on the dock with Seven Seas organic coffee and freshly baked pastries. Our charcuterie boxes make beautiful gifts.
2099 Grand St. Alameda
510.263.8228 | mosleyscafe.com
Moxie Steak House
Chef Meadows hand-selects seasonal ingredients from local farms, finding the finest cuts of organic meats, poultry, and fish to pair with fresh vegetables cooked creatively to perfection. Handcrafted sauces allow patrons to customize the meal of their dreams.
1640 Park St, Alameda | 510.671.2890 | moxiealameda.com
Albany
Starter Bakery
NOW OPEN — Visit our new bakery café in Albany for beignets, kouign amann and croissants, freshly baked breads, and more for breakfast, lunch, and treats. Cater your next special event and holiday party with Starter favorites.
1183 Solano Ave, Albany | starterbakery.com
Berkeley
Ajanta
This award-winning Indian restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a rotating regional menu. For over 32 years, Ajanta has featured gluten-free and vegan options, sustainable ingredients, and an elegant setting inspired by the Ajanta Caves.
1888 Solano Ave, Berkeley | 510.526.4373 | ajantarestaurant.com
Anchalee
Authentic and delicious home-style Thai cuisine in a beautiful atmosphere. We specialize in high-quality local and seasonal ingredients and also offer an extensive vegetarian menu.
1096 Dwight Way, Berkeley
510.848.4015 | anchaleethai.com
Cactus Taquería
Freshness, sustainability, and the traditional mouthwatering flavors of Mexico. Everything made from scratch. Meats sourced from partner farms that never ever feed the animals growth hormones, antibiotics, or animal by-products. Takeout and delivery!
1881 Solano Ave, Berkeley
510.528.1881 | cactustaqueria.com
Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya
A unique Izakaya-style restaurant and bar, specializing in modern Japanese cuisine. Classically trained in Japanese and French cooking technique, Chef Asuka Uchida creates sophisticated interpretations of traditional dishes that reflect the current trends in Japan.
2451 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley
510.705.1539 | fishbirdizakaya.com
Gather Kitchen, Bar & Events
Called “the omnivore’s solution” by the New York Times, since 2009 Gather has showcased organic, “head to tail” and “root to shoot” food, craft cocktails, and sustainable local wines that truly reflect the bounty of Northern California. #gatherberkeley
2200 Oxford St. Berkeley
510.809.0400 | gatherberkeley.com
Korean Superette
Essential Korean grocery market and restaurant. Shop for house-made kimchi, banchan, and curated staples while enjoying authentic home-style meals in our inviting kitchen or cozy back patio. Open Su–Thu 11–9, Fri & Sat until 10pm.
1539 Solano Ave, Berkeley | korean-superette.com
Nabolom Bakery & Pizzeria
At our family friendly restaurant located in Berkeley’s Elmwood District, we pride ourselves in serving one-of-a-kind pizza, fresh baked goods, beer, wine, and drip coffee.
2708 Russell St | nabolombakery.com
La Note
Traditional breakfast and lunch bistro fare or rustic Provençal dinners in a warm and charming atmosphere in the heart of downtown Berkeley. Gorgeous outdoor patio.
2377 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
510.843.1525 | lanoterestaurant.com
Roses On Adeline Bar & Kitchen
Family-owned, beautiful space, relaxing vibe, serving fresh, seasonal bar food and specialty cocktails. Happy hour 7 days a week and food all night. Voted Best New Restaurant 2025 in the East Bay Express.
3218 Adeline St, Berkeley | 510.903.6733 | rosesonadeline.com
Squabisch Bakery
German hand-rolled soft pretzels with a California Twist. Menu changes weekly. Fun toppings from charcuterie to pesto and fruits to chocolate. Pretzel-making classes. Coffee. Catering. Sunday Kensington Farmers’ Market plus Solano shop
W–Sa, 10–5 and Su, 10–3.
1585 Solano Ave | squabisch.com
Sweet Adeline Bakeshop
Cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, cupcakes, and pastries (sweet and savory). Open W–Su, 8am–3pm. Located in the Lorin District of South Berkeley.
3350 Adeline St. Berkeley
sweetadelinebakeshop.com
What’s to Eat on Upper Solano?
Find cuisines from around the globe like Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Greek, American, and Thai. Indulge in pastries, pizza, pretzels, burgers, ice cream, coffee, and chocolate. Eat vegetarian. Shop at specialty mini markets. Berkeley’s Upper Solano area has you covered.
uppersolano.com
ZINO at Hotel Shattuck Plaza
Inspired by 22 Mediterranean cuisines with sourced local wines, hand-selected craft brews, and specially developed craft cocktails. Enjoy in the restaurant or lounge.
2086 Allston Way | 510.225.6034 | hotelshattuckplaza.com/dining/zino
Castro Valley
Castro Valley Marketplace
Come enjoy Akemi Sushi, Amphora Nueva Olive Oil Works, Baron’s Quality Meats & Seafoods, Beard Papa’s, Castro Valley Natural Grocery, Cordial Cellar + Bottle Shop, Dumpling Kitchen Express, The Meeting Place by Good Morning Maxwell, La Perla, Pho 5-10, Seven Hills Baking Co., Slice House, and Sumsaara.
3295 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley castrovalleymarketplace.com
Emeryville
Public Market Emeryville
Get your tastebuds ready for a culinary adventure—enjoy flavors from around the globe all under one roof. Plus, join us for live music, trivia nights, and more. Visit our website for all the details.
5959 Shellmound St.
Emeryville | publicmarketemeryville.com
Summer Summer Thai Eatery
Delectable Thai cooking prepared from fresh ingredients with just the right spices. We offer a wide selection of tasty appetizers, to-die-for curry, and stir-fried entrées. Meat, seafood, and vegan options are available. Now offering a 50% discount on bottles of wine!
5885 Hollis St #50, Emeryville
510.658.3234 | summersummerthai.com
Livermore
Retzlaff Vineyards
Come taste our award-winning wines or enjoy a bottle outdoors on our beautiful picnic grounds. Reservations recommended. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Live music and on-site food vendors most weekends.
1356 S Livermore Ave, Livermore
925.447.8941 | retzlaffwinery.com
Oakland
ACRE Kitchen and Bar
California Rustic. Simple dishes made with local ingredients that are meant to be enjoyed together. We celebrate our passion for cooking and serving each other. Come grab a seat!
5655 College Ave. Oakland
510.250.3790 | acrekitchenandbar.com
Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar
Serving innovative Italian cuisine made with the finest seasonal ingredients plus housemade pastas, breads, and salumi, and a wine program focused on unique indigenous Old World and Italian varieties. Currently open W–Su starting at 5pm for indoor and outdoor dining plus Sa–Su,10:30–2:30 for weekend brunch.
4238 Park Blvd, Oakland
510.336.1180 | bellanico.net
Cactus Taquería
Freshness, sustainability, and the traditional mouthwatering flavors of Mexico. Everything made from scratch. Meats sourced from partner farms that never ever feed the animals growth hormones, antibiotics, or animal by-products. Takeout and delivery!
5642 College Ave, Oakland
510.658.6180 | cactustaqueria.com
Ollie’s American Cheese Provisions
Enjoy artisan cheeses, charcuterie, + baguette sandwiches out on the patio. Shrub sodas, tea, + coffee drinks also available.
396 11th St, Oakland
510. 735.9161 | olliesamericancheeseandprovisions.com
Saffron Kitchen Restaurant + Bar
Offering a warm, inviting atmosphere with bold, Mediterranean-inspired Afghan cuisine. From succulent kabobs to rich vegetarian dishes, every plate is crafted with authentic spices and fresh ingredients, creating a unique and memorable dining experience.
5940 College Ave Unit J, Oakland | 510.735.9220 | saffronk.com
Starter Bakery
Starter Bakery favorites are now available at our bakery café in Rockridge. Stop by for kouign amann and croissants, freshly baked breads, and more for breakfast, lunch, and treats. Cater your next special event and holiday party with Starter favorites.
5804 College Ave, Berkaley | 510.735.6910 | starterbakery.com
Two Local Girls at Rocky’s Market
Freshly made sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and desserts to take home or eat on-site plus lots of delicious take-and-bake items. Let us cater your next party!
1440 Leimert Blvd, Oakland
510.326.4084 | rockysmarket.com
Port Costa
Bull Valley Roadhouse
Elevated roadhouse dishes and expertly prepared libations in an Old World atmosphere.
14 Canyon Lake Dr, Port Costa
510.787.1135 | bullvalleyroadhouse.com
Facebook/Instagram @bullvalleyroadhouse
West Marin County
Nick’s Cove
Beautifully restored cottages and restaurant on the banks of Tomales Bay in West Marin. Serving seasonal Coastal California cuisine. Winner of Travel + Leisure’s “It List” 2023 of World’s Best Hotels.
23240 Hwy 1, Marshall | 415.663.1033 | nickscove.com
Mendocino County
Westport Hotel and Old Abalone Pub
Casually elegant B&B lodging on the Mendocino Coast. Locals and visitors love the Old Abalone Pub for Saturday afternoon tea and Thursday through Saturday night dinners.
38921 Hwy 1, Westport
877.964.3688 | westporthotel.us
Culinary Services
Cooking Coach Linda
Are you ready to feed your beautiful self with less stress and more joy? I can help set you up for success with personalized support in areas like pantry makeovers and cooking lessons. Schedule a free consultation. Let’s do this!
cookingcoachlinda@gmail.com
David Gish, Personal Chef
David Gish prepares weekly meals that complement your lifestyle, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Begin each week knowing exciting and delicious home-cooked preparations will be waiting for the entire family to enjoy. All diets welcome.
chefdavidgish@yahoo.com | 510.547.4881 | chefdavidgish.com
The Table Catering
Every host deserves a caterer who’s committed to seasonal and sustainable cuisine at an approachable price. Ensure your food is fresh and environmentally friendly. Consider a complementary consultation to see how we may elevate your full service event.
